Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Images

Here some quick and dirty sample images (RAWs converted via Photoshop ACR 3.4).

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 105.0mm
Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/100s
Size 3872x2592
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 400
Focal Length 105.0mm
Exposure Data: f/4.0 @ 1/1000s
Size 3872x2592
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 105.0mm
Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/40s
Size 3872x2592
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 105.0mm
Exposure Data: f/3.2 @ 1/350s
Size 3872x2592
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 105.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 1/30s
Size 3872x2592
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 105.0mm
Exposure Data: f/3.2 @ 1/200s
Size 3872x2592

Verdict

Nikon packed many new features into the Micro-Nikkor AF-S 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR. The most obvious one is probably the new IF design so the physical length of the lens remains constant regardless of the focus setting. On top of that Nikon implemented a relatively fast silent-wave AF drive and a VR II (Vibration Reduction) with an efficiency equivalent to 4 f-stops.
In terms of sheer performance the AF-S 105mm f/2.8G was able to beat its already very good predecessor by a small margin. The resolution is excellent straight from the max. aperture setting and the peak performance is reached between f/4 and f/5.6. Typical for a macro lens the Nikkor is virtually free of distortions and vignetting is usually nothing to worry about. CAs are low at large aperture settings but increase to comparatively high levels at and beyond f/8 - in absolute terms CAs remain moderate though. The mechanical quality of the lens is very good. The best news is probably that Nikon resisted the temptation to increase the price tag despite all the new features. At around 750-850€/US$ the lens is still not exactly cheap but definitely worth it.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?

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